Top Risks of Hiring Part-time Movers
Moving to a new place can be an exciting prospect, but unless you enjoy doing the heavy lifting, the idea of managing the move is not something that sets the pulse racing.
Rather than attempt to handle the move on their own, many people choose to hire a moving company to take care of the details for them.
Which is good. Hiring professional movers has its advantages, and they can eliminate the stress associated with moving if 1. you manage to find a good one and 2. especially opt for a full-service move which involves the mover handling all the moving aspects for you.
That’s not to say a partial or labor-only service is not a good option. It is, especially if you are moving on a budget or generally want to keep your overall moving bill in check.
Speaking of moving bills, while there can be no disputing the benefits of working with a professional moving company, they do come at a cost.
In an attempt to work around these costs, some people choose to avoid expert moving services and instead opt for the cheaper part-time movers.
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Who are Part-Time Movers?
Part-time movers are individuals who provide moving services as a side offering. In other words, moving is not their main business – they do it on the side as a means of complimenting their income. Yes, as a side hustle.
The main reason people hire part-time movers is the belief that they will be saving money by working with them as opposed to hiring a professional moving company.
On the face of it, they may be right. If your next-door neighbor helps people relocate homes as a side job, the said neighbor is likely to charge less than a licensed company would.
But at what cost exactly? That’s the main question. Is the cheap rate worth it? We shall delve into that shortly…
Part-Time Movers Come in Different Types.
Some moving companies are also guilty of enlisting temporary hires or day laborers. These are companies that either want to cut costs or are under-staffed but want to take on more jobs.
There are downsides of working with a company like this, so you would be wise to do your research well before you decide who to give the job to.
The Dangers Associated with Part-time Movers
That said, let’s reveal some of the top risks associated with hiring an individual part-time mover or company that uses day laborers to handle your move.
Poor Handling of Items
Relocating is not just about moving boxes from Location A to B. It’s a task that requires expertise, triple so in the case of specialty items (think antiques, art, large refrigerators, pianos etc.).
The lack of experience aside, expertise is a quality part-time movers are just not equipped with.
You see, unlike certified professionals, part-time movers do not undergo the necessary training required for the job, which means there is a high likelihood of your items getting damaged in the process.
From incidences of dropped items, to lack of adequate protection for your furniture, and even leaving nicks and scrapes on your walls, day laborers and mistreatment of belongings go hand in hand. It’s not intentional, it’s just due to a lack of proper skill and experience.
Poor handling starts with the packing process. Trusted moving companies have expert teams well-versed with the nitty-gritties of packing, so you know you are always getting the best service and not have to keep your fingers crossed hoping for the best.
Improper Use of Equipment
A reputable moving company trains its staff in the use of moving tools and equipment, so they know how best to utilize them. These include shrink handcarts, dollies, furniture pads, shrink wrap tools, back braces, protective blankets, and more.
It may sound obvious, but not applying the proper tools well can result in damage to your items and accidents in the premises, not to mention a waste of time.
Moreover, a professional mover would be familiar with the necessary protocols that need to be adhered to to ensure the wellbeing of your possessions.
Whether it’s understanding what items need to be packed together, knowing how items need to be loaded onto the truck (which need to go in first and which items should come last) or simply making sure the moving truck is squeaky clean before the move, these are standard protocols a part-time mover may not adhere to or understand how to approach properly.
Accident Liability
A licensed moving company will typically have insurance policies in place that protect its employees against injury and accidents, which is not the case with part-time movers.
We’re not saying this will happen, but it’s probable that you may be the subject of a lawsuit should the part-time worker suffer an accident during the course of moving your belongings.
In the absence of workers’ compensation insurance, they can sue you for personal injury on your property, seeking compensation for lost wages and medical expenses.
That’s not a pickle you want to find yourself in.
Lack of Moving Insurance
Speaking of insurance, another downside of hiring part-time movers is the lack of moving insurance that protects your items against damage or loss.
A moving company worth its salt will typically be licensed and registered by the US DOT (ask the mover for this number).
Under federal law, moving companies are required to provide moving insurance which they will usually offer in different valuation options, from the basic coverage (mandatory by law) to third-party coverage that provides the best protection for your items.
In other words, if you hire part-time movers and your favorite vase gets broken during the move, there is no recourse so you only have yourself to blame. Same case in the unfortunate event your items get lost in transit. You knew what you were getting yourself into!
Professional moving companies might be costlier than part-time movers, but sometimes (most times, rather) the risks associated with the latter are just not worth it.
Cheaper isn’t always better, heard the saying?